The Iron Stag King: Part One
The House Theatre of Chicago at
Chopin Theatre
Chicago Tribune- Recommended
"... If you can give yourself over fully to the yarn and the landscape (and House should keep working, and cutting, to remove all impediments), the question of who gets to raise the hammer and what that means for the regular folks will be a delightful escape from reality, even if that very same question currently fills the airwaves."
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Chris Jones
NewCity Chicago- Recommended
"... Intertwining the legends of King Arthur with early American politics and fantasy sensibilities, the story follows storyteller Hap the Golden (Cliff Chamberlain) as he leads a stalwart (if unsure) young man (Brandon Ruiter), a team of warriors and a fanboy (Ben Hertel, providing ample comedic relief) to reclaim a magic hammer and thus the crown of the land. With seating arranged in an arena-like square around an open set allowing for four entrances and exits, the action sequences are thrilling and immediate."
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Zach Freeman
Centerstage- Highly Recommended
"...Allen and Minton mine this mythology for thoughtful sociopolitical themes. Fairy tales traditionally reveal a bias toward aristocracy. The noble blooded prince must claim the power which is his birthright. Democracy here is initially viewed with suspicion and the potential corruption. But nothing is that simple and it’s made clear long before the stunning denouement that the truths we cling to depend on our point of view."
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Rory Leahy
Time Out Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...Allen and Mathews tweak the traditional Game of Thrones conceit by setting the once and future monarch against a seemingly villainous fop (Joey Steakley) whose ultimate goal is to establish representative democracy, supported by an uprising of “the Crownless.” Peppered with images of rattlesnakes and eagles and references to the Gadsden flag, with combatants sporting six-shooters as well as swords, part one of The Iron Stag King could be read as a fantastical allegory for the debate over the early American soul. Staged and performed with playfulness and polish, it whets our appetite for the next installment."
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Kris Vire
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...As with most House Theatre shows, The Iron Stag King is a High Fantasy work that takes us into a unique world where the good guys and the evil ones are not as obvious as we thing; where alliances and friends may not be as loyal as expected. This adds up to a highly successful and stimulating fun evening of theatre. With odes to R.R.martin, Tolkein and Dungeons & Dragons, Allen and Mathews have written a complex, yet free-flowing adventure that delivers. The two hour plus journey is a fun romp through myth and fantasy. You’ll be cheering Casper."
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Tom Williams
Chicago Now- Recommended
"...Under Allen’s direction, the entire ensemble *houses it* with energetic and humorous antics. Veteran House mate, Cliff Chamberlain (Hap) solidly establishes the magical parameters. Chamberlain plays questionable leader with perfect confidence and underlying smarmy. A fresh-faced, smiling Brandon Ruiter (Casper) contrasts Chamberlain in youthful simplicity. And Chicago newcomer Ben Hertel (Pepper) delivers some hilarious and unforgettable moments. Many of the large cast morph in and out of multiple personas. It’s just terrific!"
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Katy Walsh
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